We re-launched theTrade Directory (www.justbuy.org.uk) in May having invested £10,000, with a Full Social Firm (Pluss) to overhaul the functionality to help potential customers source what they need from the Social Firm sector – in line with our Just Buy Campaign.
Increasing sales and promoting inter-trading in the Social Firm sector has always been a core aim of Social Firms UK. In order to facilitate that we revamped the trade directory so it is consumer focussed, glossy and professional. It was important to provide our members with a free, user-friendly platform for any buyer to use – be them commercial, private, public sector or individual. We have offered free listings and content to any full Social Firm in the UK on the Trade Directory since 2007.
Customers can search for Social Firms by sector, employee group and location, and that is just the beginning of the exciting plans we have in store for www.justbuy.org.uk.
We are currently developing a tendering application where members can post on online request to recieve bids from fellow Social Firms - increasing inter-trading and sustainability in the sector. Each member profile will also have a picture gallery to help show the quality and demonstrate the social impact buying from a Social Firm has.
The launch of www.justbuy.org.uk took place at CLARITY/GWB offices in Islington. It was a shame that more members could not join us, but we put our money where their our mouth is and spent in the Social Firm sector: the website was designed by Pluss, the launch event sandwich bags had stickers printed by Netherne Printing Services who also provided the Social Firms UK t-shirts, the muffins were baked by Catering2Order, coffee by Buster's, Just Buy hand sanitiser was produced by the host, Clarity GWB Products, an exhibition drop was made by Whitehouse Enterprises, postcards were designed by Graphic Design & Print and a Just Buy road sign was manufactured by Royal British Legion Industries.
Therewas excellent feedback from the event with coverage in the Guardian in an article and in their Society Daily bulletin. Blog posts have been written on the new platform - Dan Lehner & Rehab Window. It has been picked up by Richmond CVS and Cornwall Voluntary Service newsletters, Shropshire Disability Network and members Clarity EFBP and Netherne Printing Services have taken to their social media sites and blogs to praise the new development.
All Full Social Firms in the UK are entitled to free listings and content. Get in touch with Temi (todesanya@socialfirmsuk.co.uk) for more information.